Prevalence of Co-Infections and Pathogens in Hospitalized Children with Acute Respiratory Infections: A Comparative Analysis Between SARS-CoV-2 and Non-SARS-CoV-2 Cases

• Main Authors: Visal Moolasart MD (Author), Ravee Nitiyanontakij MSc (Author), Srisuda Samadchai MNS (Author), Somkid Srisopha MSc (Author), Priyanut Atiburanakul MD (Author), Suthat Chottanapund MD (Author), Sumonmal Uttayamakul PhD (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2333-794X; 10.1177/2333794X241275267
• Keywords: Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Global Pediatric Health, Vol 11 (2024)

Objectives. We aimed to compare the prevalence of co-infections, pathogens, and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory infection (ARI) and non-SARS-CoV-2 ARI, among hospitalized children. Methods. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of hospitalized children <15 years with ARI, and lasting respiratory symptoms <14 days, using polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal specimens. Results. Of the 184 children with ARI analyzed, 122 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 62 were not. SARS-CoV-2 ARI had a significantly lower rate of co-infection than non-SARS-CoV-2 ARI (2.5% vs14.5%, P = .003). SARS-CoV-2 ARI children were significantly associated with a less empirical antibiotics (aOR = 0.09, CI = 0.03-0.21; P = .000), more pneumonia (aOR = 5.15, CI = 1.77-14.95; P = .003), and more abnormal chest X-ray (aOR = 2.81, CI = 1.38-5.71; P = .004). Conclusions. Although SARS-CoV-2 ARI in hospitalized children was associated with pneumonia and abnormal chest x-rays, empirical antibiotics may not be necessary for treating mild to moderate cases.